P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Daniel Ricciardo gave Max Verstappen permission to take his race number of #3 for the 2026 season.
Daniel Ricciardo explained that Max Verstappen sought his approval to use his previous F1 race number at the 2025 United States GP. Verstappen, the reigning world champion in 2026, was slated to return to his permanent number 33, but a rule change allowed drivers to switch numbers that season. Verstappen became the first driver since 2014 to change his permanent number, exchanging 33 for Ricciardo’s 3. Due to regulations, Ricciardo’s number 3 couldn’t be reassigned until the 2027 season, post his retirement. Ricciardo gladly granted Verstappen permission to use the number 3, affirming their camaraderie and support from their time as teammates. The conversation about the number change initiated in Austin in 2025, making it a meaningful and cool gesture to both drivers and F1 fans.
